Google Earth Pro, Panoramio e Youtube como auxílio ao reconhecimento de knickpoints em afluentes dos rios das Velhas e Paraopeba, em Minas Gerais

Abstract

The elements of the hydrographic network that make up the terrestrial surface are fundamental in the investigation of the morphogenesis and morphodynamics of the relief forms. In this context, the slope ruptures -the knickpoints -present in the longitudinal profiles of the main tributaries of the central-south section of the hydrographic divisor between the Velhas and Paraopeba river basins in Minas Gerais. In the investigation of these knickpoints, object of analysis in this work, were used to identify the geometry of the ruptures by digital elevation models, orbital images available in Google Earth Pro, photographs archived in the Panoramio and videos shared by the Youtube platform. The results indicate ruptures that generate waterfalls, stretches of fast flow, and some knickpoints used for dam construction. This set of resources proved efficient in the identification and characterization of knickpoints in fluvial channels, as well as played a fundamental role in the planning of fieldwork, conducted in the future.